There are at least two German lines that have adopted the name "Carman".  They derive from spellings variations of Kharmann, Kurrman, Kerman and Kirman.  Both branches have early arrival in the United States and both arrive in Philadelphia at about the same time, this being the preferred port for German immigrants for some reason and the origins of the vast numbers of Pennsylvania "Dutch".   But they have defied being connected together so far.

Both German lines continue on today.  Both parallel the descendants of John Carman in history and movement, especially in upstate New York and Canada where they have caused much confusion for researchers.  The 'southern' branch had a family move up to Flushing, Long Island, New York and become prominent there, not to take away from their own good family line, but I'm sure they were mistaken for descendants of John and Florence Carman as they were residing on Long Island!

04/30/2006